Protecting beauty is the right priority

Natalie Gallegos takes photos of Andie Wohleking, Adam Kirkes and Ian Kirkes at the Norton Botanical Gardens on the grounds of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery on Tuesday. Professional photography on the grounds was recently banned. Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times

Many local fans of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and its expansive 40-acre Norton Botanical Gardens were somewhat surprised to learn last week that the longtime tradition of family portraiture on the grounds is in the process of being restricted if not outright banned.

However, given the growing popularity of the location for professional photo shoots, it was obvious some type of restrictive action was to be expected. After all, the grounds (just like the art inside the museum building) is meant to be enjoyed in a contemplative manner.

While gallery officials have been mum on the subject in regards to why the ban was necessary, one gathers from the message on their website (http://www.rwnaf.org/) it must have something to do with commercial photography. Under a heading on their home page called New Photography Rules, they indicate that "no commercial photography (photography for hire) or commercial enterprise of any kind will be permitted on the museum grounds." It goes on to say private photography will be permitted until the museum's new fence is in place. "At that point, all photography on the grounds will be prohibited," the website says, adding that only specific exceptions will be made for school-based educational photography for which an appointment has been made.

Obviously, Norton officials are taking steps they feel will help protect and preserve this artistic and botanical treasure the R.W. Norton Art Foundation has created in the heart of our city. Built in 1966, the non-profit Norton Art Gallery features a wide variety of original works of American and European art. The building was expanded in 1990 and again in 2003 and now features 24 exhibit rooms.

Though the garden is a great work of art in itself, the real treasure for this community lies in the entire complex because it blends nature and art in a way not often seen in a metropolitan art museum.

We believe protecting that dynamic is paramount.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Protecting beauty is the right priority

Many local fans of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and its expansive 40-acre Norton Botanical Gardens were somewhat surprised to learn last week that the longtime tradition of family portraiture on the